A yogurt marinated chicken that’s beautifully tenderized and infused with terrific garlic and oregano flavours! If you’re new to the magical powers of yogurt marinades, this baked Greek Chicken is going to convert you for life! Brought to you in partnership with Farmers Union Greek Style Yogurt.
Welcome to GREEK WEEK! Every now and then, I like to do themed menus where I share all the recipes for a feast, and this week it’s all about the bright fresh flavours of the Mediterranean. Think – lemons, oregano, yogurt, lemons and plenty of garlic!
Are you ready to see what I’ve got in store for you for Greek Week?? Here you go….
GREEK MENU
Greek Chicken – Garlicky lemony oregano flavours infused right through the chicken from a flavour loaded Greek chicken marinade;
Greek Salad – the juicy tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, that red wine vinegar dressing and the pops of feta!
Tzatziki – for dipping and dolloping (recipe in Notes of Greek chicken)
Coming Thursday;Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes – crispy, lemony potatoes. It’s your dream come true!
Coming Friday;orLemon Potato Salad (pictured in first photo)– terrific alternative to mayo based Potato Salads. Bonus: No need to peel the potatoes.
And for dessert….
Greek BUTTLOVER!!!!
Oops, I mean Baklava. Butt-lover / Baklava. Same thing. 😂 Coming your way on Friday…. (Psst It does take time to assemble but you’re going to be amazed how straightforward it is!!)
SECRET WEAPON: YOGURT GREEK CHICKEN MARINADE
I first introduced readers to the magical powers of yogurt marinades with Greek Chicken Gyros. I bleated* over and over again about how the yogurt marinade is so awesome, I use it even when I’m not making Gyros. (*Honestly, there is no other way to describe the way I harped on about it other than to say I was bleating.)
Yogurt is a brilliant marinade. The Greeks know it, Middle Easterners have embraced it, the Persians love it, the Indians live by it (Butter Chicken, Tikka Masala, Biryani!).
What’s so good about it? Well, it tenderises quickly and more evenly than liquids with harsher acidity like lemon juice and vinegar, and is also a fabulous flavour carrier, injecting herbs and spices into the flesh.
This is the yogurt I use, and have always used for as long as I can remember – Farmers Union Greek Style Yogurt. It would be rare to find my fridge without a tub of this. More likely you’d see two: current in use + a restock.
There’s enough flavour in the Greek Chicken Marinade such that you don’t need to marinate for a full 24 hours to get the benefit of the tenderising and flavour injection. Overnight is definitely recommended but if you really need to rush it, even 3 hours is enough. Just do extra basting!
I’ve baked this chicken because I’ve used bone in, skin on chicken thighs and drumsticks here. I love how the skin goes crispy, and any cut of meat with the bone is extra juicy.
But this is one of those recipes that is truly terrific with any cut of chicken. Especially breast – because it adds juiciness and flavour. I’ve popped directions and cook times in the recipe notes.
Go forth and enjoy! Back Wednesday for the next instalment in this weeks’ Greek Feast – Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes! – Nagi x
MORE GREAT YOGURT MARINADES
– Greek Chicken Gyros
– Lamb Shawarma – flavour loaded fall apart lamb!
– Doner Kebab (homemade version of post-pub midnight kebab run…)
– Butter Chicken
– Tikka Masala
– Chicken Biryani
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
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Greek Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.25 kg / 2.5 lb drumsticks and chicken thighs , bone in skin on (Note 1)
Marinade:
- 6 garlic cloves , minced (~ 2 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup / 125 ml lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (I use Farmers Union)
- 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Serving (optional):
- Plain Greek yogurt or Tzatziki
- Fresh oregano leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add chicken and coat well. Marinade for 24 hours (3 hours minimum).
- Preheat oven to 180C.350F.
- Line a tray with foil (trust me), place rack on tray (optional).
- Place chicken on rack (reserve marinade), skin side up. Bake 30 minutes,
- Remove from oven. Brush with marinade – do not flip.
- Return to oven for 20 minutes or until golden and a bit crispy. Give it a spray of olive oil just before it’s done if you want an extra crispy, shiny coat.
- Rest for a few minutes before serving. Juicy and tasty enough to serve plain but extra great with tzatziki or even some plain yogurt.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
LIFE OF DOZER
Getting right in there to make sure it’s sparkling clean before I pop it into the recycling bin!
Today’s recipe is brought to you courtesy of Farmers Union. I’ve used their Greek style natural yoghurt for as long as I can remember. So it was a no brainer when they asked if I’d create a recipe for them!!
Love the new website! So easy to navigate and very organized. Being an absolute dog lover, and owner of a yellow lab, I also appreciate the updates and new link on the life of Dozer! He’s the best and reminds me so much of my very own spirited dog. And I love your positive energy, Nagi! Look forward to your emails every day 🙂
Thanks sooooo much Cari, that’s so nice of you to say 😘
LOVE the new website design! The categories make it THAT much better to use, if that’s possible!
Thanks so much for the feedback Nathan!
The website looks so nice! The color scheme is great. This recipe looks so good!
looks abfab! Much easier to navigate
I’m so glad to hear that Steve!
New site seems easier to read and your photos are more vibrant if that’s even possible. Very nice work!
Woot! Thanks for the feedback Samantha!
Wow! Very professional, clean and easy to move around!
NICE!!
Thanks Isaac!
Great new Website, Love the Colours. makes my favorite receipe side more beautiful. i really like it!
Aww thanks Alex!!! ☺️
I love all your recipes, pictures of items and added notes to assist in making the recipes
Thanks so much Donna, I love hearing feedback!
It’s Soooooo Good
Woot! SO glad you love it!
Love the High Key look of the site now! Haven’t found any glitches so far. And, regarding this recipe, we’ve made it and love it! No glitches there either! 🙂
Thanks Nan and I’m so glad you love this recipe!
Hi Nagi! Love your recipes and new website! Congrats on a makeover, pictures are ao teasing and stand out even more this way!
Thanks Jen!
Great job! Visuals are inspiring, layout is easy to follow.
(Am trying this Greek recipe tomorrow, let you know how it turns out!)
Thanks Pat! Enjoy the greek chicken!
I must try this recipe…
You must! You’ll love it ☺️
Love the new site! I think it is much easier to find the recipes! Also ads aren’t as aggravating!
I’m so glad you love it Tracy!
Your new site is a treat!
Organized, Colorful & Neat.
From these pages, I will eat.
Thank you Nagi, you are sweet.
Oh my goodness I LOVE THIS!!! ❤️
New website is so easy to maneuver. Very organized. So easy to find the menu that you’re looking for.
Thanks for the feedback Manuel, so glad you’re enjoying it!
I love your new & improved website. A lot easier to find new recipes to try.
Really like the new website design! Very clean and professional looking – it shows off your food photography really well!
Thanks for the feedback Ed!
Recipe Tin Eats recipes are copied and put in my recipe file the day they come. I cook it during the week. The family is still taking about my (your) dry brine turkey. I will search the new web site, it looks beautiful! The pictures are what sets your recipes apart…I can almost taste them before I make them.
Thank you so much Elizabeth, I truly enjoy hearing the feedback and I’m so glad the turkey was a big hit!
New look website is fantastic! Very swish. Was here this morning looking for dinner inspiration and found something within a minute!
Wahooo Sacha! Thanks for the feedback!